CFTC to Host Cryptocurrency CEO Forum to Discuss Digital Asset Market Pilot Program

Local time Thursday, January 30: The Cryptocurrency Market Structure Act (CLARITY Act) passed the Senate Agriculture Committee, though partisan divisions between Democrats and Republicans deepened. The final vote was 12-11, with all Democrats opposing the bill—citing concerns over the Trump family’s cryptocurrency ties. An amendment to restrict the Trump family’s crypto profits failed to pass during the markup. Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet stated: “This issue ‘touches the core of our democracy.’ It’s not about crypto, nor specifically about former President Trump—it’s about restoring America’s rightful ethical framework.” To date, the Trump family has earned at least $1.4 billion from crypto investments and holds a 20% stake in mining firm American Bitcoin.

Thursday, January 30 (local time) — At a meeting between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) focused on regulatory coordination in the crypto space, Senator Amy Klobuchar warned that the CFTC should not have its authority expanded if a full committee is not established. “We cannot grant such broad new powers to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which has only one member.”

January 30 — Five sources familiar with the matter told NBC News that U.S. President Trump and Senate Democrats struck a deal Thursday to avoid a prolonged government shutdown and ease the heated fight over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Earlier, two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by law enforcement officers in Minneapolis, pushing the funding dispute to a boiling point. While funding for several federal agencies will lapse temporarily starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, the impact is expected to be minimal because most federal employees do not work weekends. The Senate could vote on the funding agreement as early as Thursday evening. The House is set to return to Washington on Monday to pass the bill and send it to President Trump for his signature.

Jan 30: Binance CEO CZ announced he’ll host another English AMA the next day at 8:00 PM GMT+4 (12:00 AM Beijing Time). Audience members will be semi-randomly invited on stage—note the platform has been updated with tipping and sorting features, which will be tested during the live session. Key notes: - One question per person; keep it concise - Feedback and suggestions are welcome - Top suggestions may earn rewards post-event - All tips will be donated to Giggle Academy (last live raised $28k)

On January 30, spot gold rebounded during a speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump, climbing back above $5,330 per ounce. Trump stated that interest rates should be cut by 2 to 3 percentage points. (Source: Oriental Wealth)

On January 29 at noon Eastern Time, an unofficial tally in the U.S. Senate revealed that a procedural vote held that day failed to advance a government funding bill previously passed by the House of Representatives, placing the U.S. federal government on the brink of another partial shutdown. (Kryptonews)